8 Dog Diseases That Children Should Watch Out For
Bringing a dog into a household with young children—especially newborns to 8-year-olds—can enrich family life in many ways.
Dogs teach empathy, companionship, and responsibility.
However, it's important to understand the potential health risks that dogs can pose to young kids, particularly when adopting stray or rescue dogs with unknown medical histories.
This guide will walk you through the common zoonotic diseases (infections passed from animals to humans), especially those affecting children, and what proactive steps you can take to keep your family safe.
1. Campylobacteriosis
Cause: Campylobacter bacteria, commonly found in dog feces
Transmission: Contact with infected feces or contaminated surfaces
Symptoms in Children: Diarrhea (possibly bloody), fever, nausea, stomach cramps
Prevention:
Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning up after them
Do not allow dogs to lick children’s hands or faces
Clean up dog poop immediately and sanitize the area
2. Salmonellosis
Cause: Salmonella bacteria
Transmission: Through feces, saliva, or contaminated raw pet food
Symptoms in Children: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever
Prevention:
Avoid feeding dogs raw meat or raw diets
Disinfect bowls regularly
Ensure children wash their hands after touching the dog
3. Ringworm (Fungal Skin Infection)
Cause: Dermatophyte fungi on the skin or fur
Transmission: Direct skin contact with an infected dog
Symptoms in Children: Red, circular, itchy rashes (especially on face or arms)
Prevention:
Keep dog’s fur clean and inspect regularly
See a vet if your dog has bald patches or skin lesions
Clean bedding and toys regularly and avoid sharing between dog and child
4. Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange)
Cause: Mites that burrow into the skin
Transmission: Skin-to-skin contact with infected dogs
Symptoms in Children: Itchy rash, small red bumps
Prevention:
Get prompt treatment for mange from a vet
Avoid allowing children to touch infected dogs
Disinfect areas where the dog sleeps or rests
5. Toxocariasis (Roundworm Infection)
Cause: Toxocara canis, an intestinal parasite
Transmission: Ingesting soil, feces, or food contaminated with roundworm eggs
Symptoms in Children:
Mild: Fever, fatigue, abdominal pain
Severe: Eye inflammation, possible vision loss
Prevention:
Deworm your dog regularly as recommended by your vet
Keep play areas clean and free of feces
Always wash hands after outdoor play or petting the dog
6. Giardiasis
Cause: Giardia parasite in contaminated water or feces
Transmission: Ingesting contaminated water or contact with infected surfaces
Symptoms in Children: Diarrhea, bloating, nausea, fatigue
Prevention:
Clean dog’s water bowls daily
Don’t let your dog drink from puddles or lakes
Promptly clean up waste and disinfect any surfaces
7. Rabies (Rare but Critical)
Cause: Rabies virus
Transmission: Bite or scratch from an infected animal
Symptoms in Children: Fever, confusion, seizures; fatal if untreated
Prevention:
Keep rabies vaccination up to date
Avoid interaction with unfamiliar or stray animals
Immediate medical attention for bites or scratches
8. Fleas and Ticks (Parasite Carriers)
While not diseases themselves, fleas and ticks carry serious illnesses such as Lyme disease and Bartonella.
Prevention:
Use monthly flea and tick preventatives
Inspect and groom dogs regularly
Keep indoor and outdoor areas clean and treated if necessary
Special Considerations When Adopting a Stray or Rescue Dog
Stray dogs may have been exposed to disease or parasites due to poor living conditions. Take the following steps:
A. Full Veterinary Examination
Conduct stool tests for parasites
Get bloodwork to check for infections
Check skin, ears, and eyes for external issues
Update all vaccinations, especially rabies, parvovirus, and distemper
B. Quarantine Period (7–14 Days)
Keep the dog separated from children until a clean bill of health is given
Monitor for diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, or skin lesions
Avoid shared bedding and food bowls during this time
C. First Bath and Grooming
Bathe the dog with vet-approved shampoo
Remove visible fleas or ticks
Clean the dog’s paws, ears, and rear area thoroughly
Safety Tips for Families with Children Under 8
Teach kids to wash their hands after petting or playing with the dog
Discourage face licking and hand licking
Keep children's toys separate from dog toys
Never leave toddlers alone with dogs, regardless of the dog’s temperament
Educate children on how to approach and respect dogs' boundaries
Summary of Key Preventive Measures
Plain text version of the preventive checklist:
Routine vet checkups: Detect and prevent hidden diseases early
Regular deworming and parasite control: Protect both pets and children
Avoid raw diets: Reduces bacterial transmission risk
Strict hygiene: Wash hands after every interaction
Safe waste disposal: Pick up and discard dog waste immediately
Vaccinations: Ensure full vaccine protection
Clean pet living areas: Disinfect bedding, crates, and food bowls regularly
Additional Resources for Parents and Pet Owners
CDC – Healthy Pets, Healthy People
American Veterinary Medical Association – Zoonotic Diseases
PetMD – Keeping Your Pet and Family Safe
Top 10 Questions About Contagious Diseases in Children and Puppies
1. What are zoonotic diseases, and how can they affect my child?
Answer: Zoonotic diseases are infections transmitted from animals to humans.
In households with dogs, children can be exposed to zoonotic diseases through direct contact with the animal, its saliva, feces, or contaminated surfaces.
Young children are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems and behaviors like putting hands or objects in their mouths.
Common zoonotic diseases from dogs include ringworm, roundworm (toxocariasis), and campylobacteriosis.
2. How can I prevent my child from getting sick from our dog?
Answer: To minimize the risk of disease transmission:
Hand Hygiene: Ensure children wash their hands after interacting with the dog, especially before eating.
Regular Veterinary Care: Keep your dog up-to-date with vaccinations and routine check-ups.
Parasite Control: Implement regular deworming and flea/tick prevention.
Safe Play: Supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent bites or scratches.
Clean Environment: Regularly clean areas where the dog eats, sleeps, and plays.
3. Are certain children more at risk of contracting diseases from dogs?
Answer: Yes. Children under 5 years old, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases.
Their immune systems may not effectively combat infections, leading to more severe symptoms.
4. Is it safe to adopt a stray or rescue dog into a home with young children?
Answer: Adopting a stray or rescue dog can be safe if proper precautions are taken:
Veterinary Examination: Before bringing the dog home, have it examined by a veterinarian for any diseases or parasites.
Quarantine Period: Keep the new dog separated from children and other pets until it's deemed healthy.
Behavior Assessment: Ensure the dog has a temperament suitable for a household with children.
5. Can my child get sick from a healthy-looking dog?
Answer: Yes. Dogs can carry and shed pathogens without showing any signs of illness.
Regular veterinary care and good hygiene practices are essential to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
6. Should I be concerned about my dog licking my child's face or hands?
Answer: While affectionate, dog licking can transfer bacteria and parasites to children.
It's advisable to discourage dogs from licking children's faces or hands, especially if the child has open wounds or is immunocompromised.
7. What are the signs that my child might have contracted a disease from our dog?
Answer: Symptoms can vary depending on the disease but may include:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
Skin Conditions: Rashes, itching, or lesions.
Respiratory Symptoms: Coughing or difficulty breathing.
General Signs: Fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
8. How often should I deworm my dog to protect my family?
Answer: Puppies should be dewormed every 2-3 weeks until they're 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months.
Adult dogs should be dewormed at least every 3 months.
However, consult your veterinarian for a schedule tailored to your dog's specific needs and your local area's parasite prevalence.
9. Can dogs transmit respiratory illnesses to children?
Answer: While most common colds and flu viruses are species-specific, some respiratory illnesses can be transmitted from dogs to humans, though it's rare.
For example, certain strains of influenza can affect both dogs and humans.
Maintaining your dog's health and practicing good hygiene can reduce this risk.
10. Is it safe for my child to sleep in the same bed as our dog?
Answer: Allowing a dog to sleep in a child's bed can increase the risk of disease transmission and potential injuries.
It's generally recommended to have separate sleeping areas for pets and children to ensure safety and hygiene.
By staying informed and implementing these precautions, you can create a safe and healthy environment where both your children and your dog can thrive together.
So far, we have looked at 8 diseases that children should be careful of in companion dogs. I hope this article was of some help to those who are raising a puppy for the first time, and I would be grateful if you could share this article with anyone who needs it.
